The Verdict -- Robert Gardner

I was recently given an imposing plaque the face of which reads:

Awarded to Judge Robert Gardner for Lifetime Achievement as a Charter

Member of the Balboa Island Punting and Sculling Society and his Lifetime

of Service to our Community.

Aside from a little redundancy, this is an imposing tribute and looks

quite handsome on my wall. But for those unfamiliar with the society,

perhaps some background might be helpful.

A number of years ago, Virgil Partch, Chuck Masters and I were having

some drinks at the Village Inn. Now, the fact that we were having some

drinks is hardly man bites dog news. Virgil, well-known for his VIP

cartoons; Chuck, a noted local builder; and I usually had drinks when we

met -- particularly if it was in a bar. However, the results of this

little gathering were, if not notable, then I hope of passing interest.

I don’t remember just who brought up the subject, but someone said we

ought to start a club.

My initial reaction was loud and negative.

“I am not a joiner,” I said. “I belong to no club, no lodge, nothing.

Aside from the possibility of joining Alcoholics Anonymous, I can think

of no organization I would like to join or, more to the point, which

would have me.”

Virgil and Chuck contemplated my rejection through another round, and

then Virgil asked, “What about a society?”

I had to admit that the word “society” had a certain challenge. The

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, for example.

I hazarded that I might -- might -- be persuaded to join a society,

depending.

“Depending on what?” they queried.

“Depending on what it is,” I replied.

And so we ordered another round, put our heads together and came up

with the Balboa Island Punting and Sculling Society. Why? Well, Balboa

Island, in honor of our location. The Village Inn, in case anyone doesn’t

know this landmark, is on the island. The rest of the title? Just because

it sounded good. I must admit that none of us really knew the difference

between punting and sculling, but they had an elevating tone. On such

fragile cornerstones great things arise. As to the purpose of the

society, it was self-evident: to enjoy a drink with friends.

Anyway, that’s how the Balboa Island Punting and Sculling Society came

into existence. And from that, like Topsy, it just “growed.”

* ROBERT GARDNER is a Corona del Mar resident and a former judge. His

column runs Tuesdays.